Lifestyle Choices - Diet

Feed Your Brain!

You are what you eat” holds true for successful aging. A healthy diet is important for overall health, including brain health. It can also help prevent obesity and other health problems and diseases, such as diabetes, which are risk factors for dementia.

Consume foods rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the brain from the formation of free radicals—found in berries like blueberries and blackberries, nuts such as walnuts and pecans, vegetables such as artichokes and red cabbage, and spices such as turmeric and ground cinnamon.

Avoid:

Red meats

Saturated fats

Salt

Added sugars

Fried foods

Processed foods

Trans-fatty acids

Good nutrition also includes taking daily vitamins and limiting alcohol consumption.

Food Pyramid

Just what should you be eating and how much? It’s all about a balanced diet. Eating the right food and the right amount provide the nutrients you need and help build muscle and energy.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set up a tool, MyPyramid, which calculates your ideal food pyramid. The pyramid emphasizes a daily “balancing act”—the “energy in” or calories you take in from foods and beverages versus the “energy out” or calories you burn for basic body functions and physical activity. Click here to learn more.